Our Opinion: Gillum is clear choice for mayor

Since first being elected to the Tallahassee City Commission in 2003, while still a student at Florida A&M University, Andrew Gillum has built on the qualities that propelled him to his initial victory.

Mr. Gillum is energetic, a change agent and a consensus builder. Now with 11 years of experience on the City Commission, Mr. Gillum has developed into a seasoned public servant who has strong leadership skills, is popular with people with varying perspectives and is an enthusiastic supporter of Tallahassee’s potential.

These are important qualities in city leadership, and they have earned Mr. Gillum the Editorial Board’s endorsement in his candidacy for mayor.

Tallahassee is on the cusp of rebounding economically and preparing itself for what many see as a bright future. There are signs of an economic recovery in both housing and retail. Our universities and community college are recognized nationally for their achievements. Tallahassee is the home to the nation’s college football champions, with the Seminoles expected to be top contenders again this fall.

In addition, local public/private partnerships have led to the dramatic growth of the Gaines Street corridor, and the continued revitalization of the city’s Midtown community and sections of the northeast. Neighborhoods are being improved with water, sewer and sidewalk projects. Residents generally are satisfied with the standard of service they receive.

Throughout his tenure on the City Commission, Mr. Gillum has worked hard to live up to his promise of 11 years ago, when he asked voters to give him a chance. Since then, he has been an innovative voice in proposing and following through on ideas that he has championed with the help of constituent input and vision. He has maintained personal integrity and a certain humbleness in his character.

His accomplishments include:

• Leading the city’s efforts to create a policy that led to the reimbursement of $5.6 million of utility deposits back into Tallahassee’s local economy.

• Taking a lead role in the commission’s approval of a “fast track” permitting program within the Growth Management Department, an issue that had long been a thorn in the side of the business community.

• Working tirelessly to establish a community Teen Center at Palmer Munroe Community Center.

• Working with residents in the Jake Gaither neighborhood to create Silver Lake Park in what used to be a residential area prone to flooding.

Largely because of his ability to get things done, Mr. Gillum has enjoyed strong support from interests throughout the community. He earned 70 percent of the votes in his bid for re-election two years ago. He has raised $251,000 in this campaign.

But, if elected mayor, Mr. Gillum must fully understand that not everyone is comfortable with the City Commission. He must listen to the voice of the people and carefully decide on responding to recommendations for an appointed official overseeing ethics or having that person serve in a senior level administrative level.

He must understand the importance of restoring trust in City Hall and addressing the belief by some that City Hall operates as its own private entity with little regard for true transparency. For instance, he’s been criticized for voting to spend $1.3 million to renovate the former Electric Building near Cascades Park, where his campaign treasurer, Adam Corey, is a partner in a restaurant planned for the site.

Challenging Mr. Gillum are Larry Hendricks, a retiree and passionate local political activist, and Zack Richardson, who has earned a strong reputation for his work with youth through his nonprofit organization, Pivotal Point Enterprises. Both men are advocating a change in culture on the commission. There also is a write-in candidate, Evin Matthews, whose name does not appear on the ballot.

Mr. Gillum, 34, is the clear choice because of his passion for public service, his ability to organize diverse entities and his track record of accomplishments.